The law also excludes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from statewide protections against discrimination. The law is being challenged in federal court.

Gay rights leaders and transgender people said the legislation demonizes the community and espouses bogus claims about increasing the risk of sexual assaults. They say the bill will deny lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people essential protections needed to ensure they can get a hotel room, hail a taxi or dine at a restaurant without fear.

Bowser, a Democrat, signed an order on Thursday barring city employees from official travel to North Carolina until the law is repealed. Her order says the District government values "equal treatment for members of the LGBTQ communities.''

I signed an order banning travel to NC for DC Gov employes. We stand w/ the LGBTQ community & against discrimination pic.twitter.com/HmJnKMuz6O